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As the healthcare sector continues its rapid expansion, new career opportunities are emerging, particularly for individuals who prefer working behind the scenes.
One of the most rewarding careers is in healthcare administration.
This field encompasses key areas like:
- Personnel Management – Overseeing staffing and human resources.
- Operational Efficiency – Streamlining workflows and improving processes.
- Financial Oversight – Managing budgets and planning expenditures.
Healthcare administrators play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of medical facilities.
Interested in exploring this career?
Keep reading to learn more!
Article Table of Contents
The Role of Healthcare Administrators in Utah
Healthcare administrators are pivotal to keeping medical facilities running efficiently.
They focus on identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategic solutions to enhance overall performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Optimizing Workflows
- Budget Oversight
- Accurate Record Maintenance
- Staff Coordination
- Recruitment and Compensation
- Supporting Healthcare Teams
- Compliance Management
As healthcare evolves, so do the responsibilities of administrators, who must continually adapt to meet the sector’s shifting demands.
Traits of Successful Healthcare Administrators
Individuals with a nursing background often thrive in healthcare administration due to their firsthand clinical experience and knowledge of healthcare operations.
Key qualities of effective healthcare administrators include:
- Attention to Detail – Ensuring precision in handling various tasks.
- Multitasking Abilities – Managing several responsibilities at once.
- Technical Skills – Proficiency with healthcare technology and software.
- Leadership and Communication – Strong leadership and the ability to communicate clearly.
- Problem-Solving Skills – Tackling challenges and making sound decisions.
For those from non-clinical roles, mastering the complexities of healthcare operations is essential to succeed in this fast-paced field.
Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Utah
If you’re considering a career in healthcare administration, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Pursue the Right Degree
Start by earning a high school diploma or GED, followed by specialized healthcare administration or nursing education.
Many begin with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and progress to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which typically takes 2 to 4 years.
Advance with a Master’s Degree
To boost your career, consider pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).
This program generally takes 1 to 3 years, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
A degree in public health is also an excellent choice for leadership positions.
Obtain Professional Certifications
Earning certifications can help you stand out in the field.
Nurses may pursue credentials like the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) to move into administrative roles.
Gain Relevant Experience
After completing your education, gaining hands-on experience is crucial.
Positions like team leader, supervisor, or nurse manager are excellent opportunities to develop the skills necessary for success in healthcare administration.
Healthcare Administration Programs in Utah
Let’s learn more about an appropriate training program.
David Eccles School of Business 
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program offered here is designed to equip early-career professionals with the skills needed to assume administrative roles in the healthcare industry.
Graduates of this program often pursue careers in healthcare delivery, public health, healthcare policy, and health services research.
Students will attend classes full-time, in the afternoon and evenings, for 2 years.
The credit hours to accumulate vary for this CAHME-accredited program.
The MHA program requires completion of 34.5 core credits.
Core courses are mandatory and cannot be substituted.
Students must attend a summer internship as well.
Everyone has to attend core courses, foundational courses, and areas of emphasis.
Who can demonstrate competency in foundational subjects, these courses may be substituted with:
- Financial Accounting (3 credits)
- Data Analysis and Decision Making (1.5 credits)
The areas of emphasis must have credit requirements ranging from 12 to 16.5.
These are the elective options:
- Telehealth Modalities (1.5 credits)
- Data Visualization (1.5 credits)
- Analytical Decision Models (1.5 credits)
- Project Management (3 credits)
Leadership/Fellowship
It is ideal for those seeking leadership experience or post-graduate fellowship opportunities.
This emphasis focuses on practical leadership skills:
- Healthcare Law I (1.5 credits)
- Collaborative Alliances (1.5 credits)
- Human Resources for Healthcare (1.5 credits)
- Marketing for Health Professionals (3 credits)
- Approved Eccles School Electives (9 credits)
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| David Eccles School of Business | Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building, 1655 East Campus Center Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-8939 |
Salary Expectations for Healthcare Administrators in Utah
Curious about the salary outlook for healthcare administrators in Utah?
On average, healthcare administrators in the state earn approximately $99,402 per year.
For more detailed information about salary ranges across different regions, refer to the table below:
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Monticello | $107,241 |
| Modena | $103,896 |
| Enterprise | $103,896 |
| Saint George | $103,896 |
| Leeds | $103,896 |
| Peoa | $102,537 |
| Pleasant Grove | $102,119 |
| Alpine | $102,015 |
| Kamas | $101,806 |
| Coalville | $101,701 |
Regional Salary in Utah
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logan, UT-ID | 130 | $118,530 | $56.98 | $223,910 | $54,810 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 590 | $111,960 | $53.83 | $181,310 | $57,910 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | 840 | $103,330 | $49.68 | $175,170 | $44,650 |
| St. George, UT | 230 | $108,830 | $52.32 | $169,240 | $50,100 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 2,540 | $134,650 | $64.74 | $215,420 | $67,860 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit to become a healthcare administrator in Utah?
To enter the healthcare administration field you must undergo training from 1 year and up to 4, or more even.
You should add the total of years of study to the age you made your decision to enter this industry.
Why would I want to work as a healthcare administrator in Utah?
Some of the benefits of a healthcare administrator position in Utah are:
- The healthcare industry is rapidly growing
- Healthcare admins are an important part of this system
- Median salaries in Utah are well over $100k
Where can I work as a healthcare administrator in Utah?
With a degree in healthcare administration, you can apply to these institutions:
- Hospitals,
- Clinics,
- Senior living,
- Public health,
- Insurance,
- Human resources
- Human services
Read the full guide: How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator by State